mineral

Green Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale green to lime green; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale green to lime green
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale green to lime green; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary processes or hydrothermal activity where calcium-rich solutions precipitate in rock cavities. Most commercial specimens are from the Mesozoic to Cenozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for decorative carvings, lapidary work (tumbled stones), and as a collector's specimen. In industrial form, calcite is used in cement, fertilizers, and as a pH neutralizer.

Geological facts

Green calcite is often called the 'stone of mental balance.' Chemically, it is the same as chalk or limestone but with a crystalline structure and trace chemical impurities that create the green tint.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its softness (can be scratched by a copper coin) and its effervescence (bubbles) when touched with dilute hydrochloric acid. Commonly found in Mexico, Brazil, and the USA.